THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

544-Dr. Dre-The Next Episode.

2000-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.21. The respected music journalist Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that the only subject matter on the Album is ‘Violence, drugs, pussy, bitches, dope, guns, and gangsters,’ so with that in mind, I have chosen to keep this as clean as possible, as I may have readers of a delicate nature.

Dr. Dre (see also best songs 564-482-189-128 and 48) was born Andre Romell Young on February 18th, 1965, in Compton, California, United States, he is a music producer, songwriter, Rapper, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur. Dr. Dre has stated that it was after hearing the ‘Grandmaster Flash’ track ‘The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel,’ (see also best songs 87) that he knew that he wanted to be involved with music. He initially started out as a ‘DJ,’ using the name ‘Dr. J.’ based on the nickname of his favourite basketball player Julius Erving, he later changed to ‘Dr. Dre,’ using his own birth name instead. In 1985 he joined the American ‘Electro’ music group ‘World Class Wreckin’ Crew,’ with whom he released two studio Albums, and five singles. He would go on to greater success, with that groups fellow member DJ Yella, when they joined Easy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and Arabian Prince, to form ‘N.W.A.’ (see also best songs 564 and 128.) After leaving ‘N.W.A.’ in 1991, Dr. Dre launched his solo career, and then in the same year he co-founded ‘Death Row Records’ with three others. He parted ways with that label in 1996, and founded the record label ‘Aftermath Entertainment,’ which has been responsible for launching the careers of high profile artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar.

Dr. Dre has has an extensive discography as a music producer that began in 1986, that includes producing four American Billboard Number 1 singles, and two UK Number 1’s. His solo discography includes three studio Albums released between 1992-2015, and 42 singles released within the same time period, there is also one soundtrack Album, ‘The Wash’ from 2001, and two official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had nine top 40 singles as the lead artist, with ‘Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,’ featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg, peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1993. He has also had a further seven top 40 hits as a featured artist, with three of those tracks all making the Number 1 spot. In the UK, Dr. Dre has had nine top 40 hits as the lead artist, with ‘The Next Episode’ charting the highest at Number 3, while as a featured artist he has appeared on a further four UK top 40 hits, with ‘Crack a Bottle,’ by Eminem, and also featuring 50 Cent, peaking the highest at Number 4 in 2009.

‘The Next Episode’ was the third of four singles released from Dr, Dre’s second studio Album called ‘2001,’ which was released in November 1999, the song was co-written by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mel-Man, David Axelrod, and Brian Bailey, with the production being by Dr. Dre, and Mel-Man. David Axelrod, (1931-2017) appears in the song writing credits, as the melody for ‘The Next Episode’ is sampled from his 1967 track ‘The Edge,’ performed by David McCallum, (1933-2023) on his 1967 Album, ‘Music: A Bit More Of Me.’ Along with Dr. Dre, ‘The Next Episode’ also features performances from fellow Rappers Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg, (1969-2011) but only Snoop Dogg is officially credited.

Snoop Dogg was born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20th, 1971, in Long Beach, California, United States, as a child his mother nicknamed him ‘Snoopy,’ due to his love and likeness of the cartoon character from the comic strip ‘Peanuts.’ Away from music, Snoop Dogg has appeared in various video games, music videos, television series, and film appearances, such as the ‘Academy Award’ winning drama ‘Training Day,’ (2001) and the critically acclaimed cable television series ‘The L Word’ (2004.) Snoop Dogg started his music career in the persona of a ‘Gangsta Rapper,’ but following the death of Tupac Shakur, (1971-1996) (see also best songs 482) he recognised the dangers of that lifestyle, and transformed his stage image to that of a ‘pimp.’ In 2012 he released a ‘Reggae’ Album called ‘Reincarnated’ using the pseudonym ‘Snoop Lion,’ he told reporters that he was rechristened Snoop Lion by a Rastafari priest in Jamaica. After releasing his sixteenth studio Album ‘Bible of Love,’ in 2018, Snoop Dogg told an interviewer while speaking of his ‘Gospel’ influences, that he ‘Always referred to his saviour Jesus Christ on most of his records, and that he had become ‘a born-again Christian.’

‘The Next Episode’ is considered a sequel to the Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg track ‘Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang, from Dr. Dre’s 1992 debut solo Album ‘The Chronic,’ in which Snoop Dogg instructs listeners at the end of the chorus to ‘Just chill till the next episode.’ Dr. Dre’s lyrics on ‘The Next Episode’ were written by the artists ‘Hittman,’ ‘The D.O.C.’ and ‘Ms Roq,’ with Dr. Dre modifying them, but none of those three artists receive official song writing credits. With there being a seven year gap between his solo studio Albums, Dr. Dre was keen to prove that he wasn’t just a producer of music for other artists, and this song was one of his statements to doubters.

‘I’m on one, I might bail up in the Century club, with my jeans on, and my team strong. Get my drink on, and my smoke on, then go home wit’ somethin’ to poke on.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

545-Alvin Stardust-My Coo Ca Choo.

1973-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.20. The romantic in me hopes that being referred to as a ‘Coo Ca Choo’ is a term of endearment.

The story about this one, is both strange, and intriguing. The song was written by Peter Shelley, (1943-2023) not to be confused with Pete Shelley (1955-2018) of the ‘Punk Rock’ band ‘Buzzcocks.’ Peter Shelley had written, produced, and recorded ‘My Coo Ca Choo,’ and was invited to perform the song as the original ‘Alvin Stardust’ on the children’s British ‘ITV’ television show ‘Lift Off with Ayshea.’ Shelley was surprised when the song entered the UK top 40 the week after, and was invited to perform on ‘Top of the Pops, but he had no desire to be a ‘Glam Rock’ star, so on recommendation, 1960’s Pop star Shane Fenton was hired, and he lip synced the track on television from then on.

The second and best known ‘Alvin Stardust’ was born Bernard William Jewry, on September 27th, 1942, in Muswell Hill, Middlesex, London, he died on October 23rd, 2014, from cancer, at the age of 72. Jewry had initially found success in the early 1960’s, when performing as ‘Shane Fenton,’ as part of ‘Shane Fenton and the Fentones.’ Jewry had been asked to join that group after the lead singer Johnny Theakston had died at the age of 17, from the result of rheumatic fever. ‘Shane Fenton and the Fentones’ released 11 singles between 1961-1964, of which four made the UK top 40, with ‘Cindy’s Birthday,’ from 1962, peaking the highest at Number 19. The character ‘Alvin Stardust’ was devised by Peter Shelley at the height of ‘Glam Rocks’ popularity in 1973. The name ‘Stardust’ was influenced by the character ‘Ziggy Stardust,’ which had been invented by David Bowie, (1948-2016) (see also best songs 440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) and Bernard Jewry dressed for the part in all black clothing, the same as the American ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ singer Vince Taylor, (1939-1991) who had been a major influence on Bowie’s development of the character of ‘Ziggy Stardust.’ As Alvin Stardust, Bernard Jewry issued 11 studio Albums between 1974-2021, and 36 singles between 1961-2014, there are also 12 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums spanning his whole career available. As Alvin Stardust he achieved 11 UK top 40 singles, with ‘Jealous Mind,’ another Peter Shelley composition, peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1974. With the exception of ‘My Coo Ca Choo,’ Bernard Jewry provided his own vocals to all of the other Alvin Stardust songs.

Peter Shelley was born Peter Alexander Southworth, on February 28th, 1943, in London, England, he died on March 23rd, 2023, of cancer, at the age of 80. After working as a talent scout for ‘Decca Records’ in the 1960’s, where amongst the artists he discovered were ‘Amen Corner,’ and some of the musicians who would eventually make up ‘King Crimson,’ Shelley started up his own record label ‘Magnet Records’ in 1973, with the future British political Labour Party peer Michael Levy. ‘Magnet Records’ was one of the most successful independent record labels of it’s era, with it’s rota including Chris Rea, Bad Manners, Silver Convention, and Darts. In 1988 the label was acquired by ‘Warner Bros. Records,’ for an estimated £10 million. Peter Shelley may not have wanted to be a ‘Glam Rock’ star, but he had no objection to being a ‘Pop’ star, releasing two studio Albums between 1974-1975, and six singles between 1974-1979, with two of those tracks ‘Gee Baby,’ (1974-UK Number 4) and ‘Love Me Love My Dog’ (1975-UK Number 3) making the UK top 40.

‘My Coo Ca Choo’ was the first of two singles released from ‘The Untouchable,’ which was the debut studio Album from Alvin Stardust, from March 1974, the song was written and produced, and performed by Peter Shelley. ‘My Coo Ca Choo’ was the first single released on the ‘Magnet Records’ label with the catalogue number ‘Mag 1.’ In Australia the song spent seven weeks at Number 1, and became the countries best selling single of 1974. In the UK, The follow up single ‘Jealous Mind’ went to Number 1, bettering ‘My Coo Ca Choo’ by one place, but in Australia ‘Jealous Mind’ only reached Number 27.

‘Tom Cat, why, you know where it’s at, come on, let’s go to my flat, lay down ‘n groove on the mat, a-you can be my coo ca choo.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

546-Julie London-Cry Me a River.

1967-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 0.16. The songs writer Arthur Hamilton was initially concerned that listeners would hear a reference to ‘Crimea,’ rather than ‘cry me a.’

Julie London was born Julie Peck on September 26th, 1926, in Santa Rosa, California, United States, she died on October 18th, 2000, at the age of 74, of what was later determined to be Cardiac arrest. In 1995 she had suffered a stroke, and remained in poor health for the following five years. She had been a chain smoker since the age of 16, and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1999, but forewent treatment due to her weakened physical state. Prior to becoming a singer Julie London had been an actress, beginning her acting career in 1944, in the film ‘Nabonga.’ In total she would appear in 24 films between 1944-1968. In later years Julie London would become best known for appearing in all 126 episodes of the American ‘NBC’ action-adventure medical drama television series ‘Emergency!,’ where she played the part of ‘Dixie McCall R.N.’ In the drama she co-starred with her second husband Bobby Troup, (1918-1999) who played the role of Dr. Joe Early. The show had been co-created, and co-produced by Julie London’s first husband Jack Webb, (1920-1982) they had been married between 1947-1954, and had two children together. Due to her striking good looks, Julie London established herself as a ‘pin-up girl’ during World War II.

The discography of Julie London includes 29 studio Albums released between 1955-1969, and 29 singles released within the same time period, there are also five official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, her only top 40 chart entry is ‘Cry M a River,’ which reached Number 9 in 1955, while that song is also her only top 40 charting single in the UK as well. Julie London who recorded in the genres of ‘Jazz,’ and ‘Pop,’ is recognised as one of the leading exponents in ‘Torch Singing.’ A ‘torch song’ is a sentimental love song, typically one in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, either where one party is oblivious to the existence of the other, where one party has moved on, or where a romantic affair has affected the relationship. The term comes from the saying, ‘to carry a torch for someone,’ or to keep aflame the light of an unrequited love.

‘Cry Me a River’ was the only single released from ‘Julie Is Her Name,’ the debut studio Album by Julie London, from December 1955. The song was written by Arthur Hamilton, with the production being by Bobby Troup, backing Julie London on the track were Barney Kessel, (1923-2004) on guitar, and Ray Leatherwood, (1914-1996) on bass. Arthur Hamilton was born Arthur Hamilton Stern on October 22nd, 1926, in Seattle, Washington, United States. In 1953 Arthur Hamilton was commissioned by Jack Webb to write three songs for the film ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues,’ two of which were used. The third, which was rejected was ‘Cry Me a River,’ written for, and performed by Ella Fitzgerald, (1917-1996) (see also best songs 944-702-286-231 and 100) who would eventually release her version in 1961, on her Album ‘Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie.’ With ‘Cry Me a River’ being discarded it was offered to the American Jazz singer Peggy King, but ‘Columbia Records’ refused to let her record it, objecting to the word ‘plebian,’ in the songs lyrics. The other song Arthur Hamilton is best remembered for is ‘Sing a Rainbow,’ which was also written for ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues,’ where it was performed by Peggy Lee (1920-2002) (see also best songs 468.) ‘Sing a Rainbow’ has become famous over the years as a tool for teaching children the names of colours, it is often erroneously called ‘I Can Sing a Rainbow.’ In 1969 a recording of the song as part of a medley by the American R&B group ‘The Dells,’ reached Number 22 on Billboard. Coincidentally Arthur Hamilton, and Julie London had both attended the same high school.

After ‘Cry M a River’ had been rejected for the film ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues,’ Julie London recorded the song for her 1955 debut Album, and then she performed it in the 1956 musical comedy film ‘The Girl Can’t Help It.’ Due to it’s success in the film, the song became a hit, and in 2016 it went through the one million sales barrier. Two other versions of the song have charted on Billboard. In 1969, Marie Knight took her recording to Number 35, and in 1970, Joe Cocker reached Number 11 with his live version. In the UK, Mari Wilson reached Number 27 in 1983, Denice Welch got to Number 23 in 1995, and Michael Bublé made Number 34 in 2009. A track by Justin Timberlake also called ‘Cry Me a River’ (2002) has nothing to do with this song.

Arthur Hamilton has said of ‘Cry Me a River,’ ‘I had never heard the phrase. I just liked the combination of words. Instead of ‘Eat your heart out,’ or ‘I’ll get even with you,’ it sounded like a good, smart retort to somebody who had hurt your feelings. or broken your heart.’

‘You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head. while you never shed a tear. Remember, I remember, all that you said. Told me love was too plebeian, told me you were through with me, and now you say you love me, just to prove you do. Well cry me a river, cry me a river, I cried a river over you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

547-Cerrone-Supernature.

1978-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 8.08. The British dance troupe ‘Hot Gossip’ would perform regularly to this song on the television comedy and music programme ‘The Kenny Everett Video Show,’ thus giving the song plenty of exposure, as well as lots of ‘Naughty Bits’ provided by Hot Gossip.

Marc Cerrone was born on May 24th, 1952, in Vitry-sur-Seine, France, he is a music producer, songwriter, and drummer. Cerrone made his first recordings in 1972 as part of a ‘Disco’ group called ‘Kongas,’ scoring a 1973 American Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ Number 37 hit with the track ‘Anikana-O.’ Cerrone has sold in excess of 30 million records worldwide, with his discography including 23 studio Albums released between 1974-2020, and 69 singles that have been released between 1972-2020, there are also four box sets, six soundtrack Albums, 19 official compilation Albums, and five live Albums available. In his native France on the ‘Syndicat national de l’édition phonographique,’ (SNEP) which is the official French national chart of best-selling records, Cerrone has had two Number 1 Albums, and six top 40 singles, with ‘Give Me Love,’ from 1977 charting the highest at Number 2, while ‘Supernature’ reached Number 26. In the UK, Cerrone has had three top 40 hits, with ‘Supernature’ peaking the highest at Number 8. In America he has had one top 40 hit, when ‘Love in C Minor’ made Number 36 in 1976, with ‘Supernature’ stalling at Number 70, although 11 of his songs have made the Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ chart, with ‘Supernature’ reaching the Number 1 position.

‘Supernature’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Supernature (Cerrone III’) which was the third studio Album released by Ceronne, from September 1977, the song was co-written by Cerrone, and Alain Wisniak, who together wrote the music, and Lene Lovich who provided the lyrics. The vocals on the track were provided by the unaccredited singer Chi-Chi Favelas.

Lene Lovich was born Lili-Marlene Premilovich, on March 30, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, to an English mother and American father of Serbian descent. In 1962 at the age of 13, she emigrated with her mother and three siblings to Hull, East Yorkshire, England. Prior to signing to ‘Stiff Records’ in 1978, Lovich had busked around the London Underground, and appeared in cabaret clubs as an ‘Oriental’ dancer, and also as a ‘go-go dancer’ with the ‘BBC Radio One Roadshow.’ She was one of thousands of audience members invited to sing along at the 1972 ‘Lanchester Arts Festival,’ at the ‘Locarno Ballroom.’ in Coventry, when Chuck Berry recorded what would become his only UK Number 1 single, ‘My Ding-a-Ling.’ Lene Lovich made her breakthrough as a ‘New Wave’ artist in the UK in 1978, with the song ‘Lucky Number,’ which she co-wrote with her long term collaborator, and life partner Les Chappell. As a solo artist she has released five studio Albums between 1978-2005, and 19 singles between 1976-2018, there are also 10 official compilation Albums available. In the UK, three of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Lucky Number’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1978.

‘Supernature’ has an environmental theme, imagining a future in which the use of chemicals in agriculture has caused ‘creatures down below’ to emerge, and take revenge against mankind, Lene Lovich has always been an advocate of animal rights. In 1987 Lene Lovich recorded her own version of ‘Supernature’ for a compilation Album recorded by various artists called ‘Animal Liberation.’ In 1989 the English ‘Synth-Pop’ duo ‘Erasure’ covered ‘Supernature,’ releasing it as one of the ‘B’ sides to their track ‘You Surround Me.’ Then in 1994 the ‘Electronic Dance’ music group ‘The Time Frequency’ covered the song for their debut studio Album ‘Dominator,’ and in 1996 the song was subject to a ‘House Music’ remix by the producer Danny Tenaglia. Duran Duran have also covered the song, releasing their version on their 16th studio Album ‘Danse Macabre,’ in 2023.

‘Once upon a time science opened up the door, they would feed the hungry fields, ’til they couldn’t eat no more. But the potions that were made touched the creatures down below, oh, and they grew up in the way that we’d never seen before. Supernature.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

548-Chuck Berry-Maybellene.

1955-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.06. Chuck Berry was amongst the first group of inductees into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ on January 23rd, 1986. This is what they said, ‘While no individual can be said to have invented Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry comes the closest of any single figure to being the one who put all the essential pieces together. It was his particular genius to graft Country & Western guitar licks onto a Rhythm & Blues chassis in his very first single, ‘Maybellene.’

Chuck Berry (see also best songs 308 and 30) was born Charles Edward Anderson Berry, on October 18th, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, he died of a heart attack on March 18th, 2017, at the age of 90. Chuck Berry was a significant player in the development of ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ predominately through his refining and development of ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ but also through his stage persona, and his song lyrics. He was born into a middle-class black family, and showed an interest in music from an early age, giving his first public performance at ‘Sumner High School,’ in St. Louis. It was while still a high school student, that he was convicted of armed robbery and was sent to a reformatory, where he was held from 1944 to 1947. After his release he married in 1948, and got a job at an automobile assembly plant. In 1953, being influenced by the guitar riffs, and showmanship techniques of the ‘Blues’ musician T-Bone Walker, (1910-1975) Berry began performing with the Johnnie Johnson Trio. In 1955 he travelled to Chicago where he met the ‘Blues’ legend Muddy Waters, (1913-1983) (see also best songs 596) who suggested that he contact Leonard Chess, (1917-1969) of ‘Chess Records.’

There are many who cite ‘Maybellene’ as the first real ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ song. Chuck Berry had heard the American traditional song ‘Ida Red’ performed by the American Western swing musician Bob Wills (1905-1975) and his backing band the ‘Texas Cowboys,’ played in the style of ‘Western Swing,’ which is a sub-genre of American ‘Country Music.’ Chuck Berry would play his take on the song in racially integrated clubs, and saw that the music brought people together. Leonard Chess had Chuck Berry audition for him, and it was Berry’s rendition of ‘Ida Red’ that Chess was impressed with. Chess had become aware that now ‘World War II’ was 10 years in the past, there was a whole generation of teenagers with money to spend, and Chess knew exactly how to manipulate the situation. Chess suggested a bigger beat for the song, and added a bass, and a maracas player at the recording session. Chuck Berry re-wrote the lyrics on Chess’ direction, singing about fast cars, and sexuality, which appealed to teenagers. There are conflicting stories as to how the song got it’s title. Chuck Berry has said that ‘Maybellene’ was the name of a cow in a child’s school reading book he had remembered from his childhood school days, but Johnny Johnson, (1924-2005) who played the piano on the track has said that on spotting a ‘Maybelline’ mascara box on the floor of the studio, Leonard Chess said,’ Well hell, let’s name the damn thing ‘Maybellene,’ altering the spelling to avoid a law suit by the cosmetic company who made the product.

‘Maybellene’ was written by Chuck Berry, with the production being by Leonard Chess, and his younger brother Phil Chess, (1921-2016) the song gave Chuck Berry his first hit single, reaching Number 5 on the American Billboard Hot 100 in 1955. ‘Maybellene’ was later added to the soundtrack Album ‘Rock, Rock, Rock!’ after the song featured in the 1956 motion picture of the same name, which was also the first ever Album released on the ‘Chess Records’ label. ‘Maybellene’ did not appear on Chuck Berry’s debut studio Album ‘After School Session,’ from May 1957, but was added as a bonus track on the 2004 reissue. ‘Maybellene’ has at least 70 official known cover versions, including recordings by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. The other charting version of the song on the Billboard Hot 100 is by the American artist Johnny Rivers, who took his cover entitled ‘Maybelline’ to Number 12 in 1964. Playing on the Chuck Berry original were, Chuck Berry, (vocals, and guitar) Johnnie Johnson, (piano) Willie Dixon, (1915-1992) (see also best songs 596 and 135) (bass) Jerome Green, (1934-1973) (maracas) and Ebby Hardy (drums.)

‘As I was motivatin’ over the hill, I saw Mabellene in a Coup de Ville. A Cadillac arollin’ on the open road, nothin’ will outrun my V8 Ford. The Cadillac doin’ about ninety-five, she’s bumper to bumper, rollin’ side by side. Maybellene why can’t you be true.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

549-Bruce Springsteen-Born to Run.

1975-Number 93 single. The song was issued a a live version in 1987, and peaked at Number 16.

Best Bit-At 3.04. In an episode of ‘The Sopranos,’ the character Christopher Moltisanti quotes the songs lyrics, saying, ‘The highway’s jammed with broken heroes, on a last chance power drive.’ This was an in-joke by the script writers, as Steven Van Zamdt of ‘The E Street Band,’ who provided input on this song, also played Silvio Dante in The Sopranos.

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (see also best songs 1040) was born on September 23rd, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, United States, with record sales in excess of 150 million worldwide, he is one of the best selling artists of all time. In October 1972, Springsteen formed a band to record his debut studio Album ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.’ The band would eventually become known as the ‘E Street Band,’ although the name was not officially used until September 1974. Bruce Springsteen acquired the nickname ‘The Boss’ sometime within that time period, ‘The Boss’ may sound very ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ but that wasn’t why he was given it. Evidently Bruce Springsteen took it upon himself to collect his band’s nightly pay, and distribute it among his band mates. The nickname also reportedly sprang from playing the board game ‘Monopoly,’ which Springsteen played with other Jersey Shore musicians. At the time of writing Bruce Springsteen is the 27th best selling artist of all time, and is recognised by many music critics as one of the greatest songwriters in ‘Pop Music’ history, being called a ‘Rock ‘n’ roll poet, who radiates working class authenticity.’ He is a pioneer of ‘Heartland Rock,’ which is a music genre that combines mainstream Rock music with poetic and socially conscious lyrics, that feature narratives primarily concerning working class American life. In 1999 he was inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame,’ and also the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.’

The discography of Bruce Springsteen includes 21 studio Albums released between 1973-2022, and 77 singles released within the same time period, there are also seven box sets, eight official compilation Albums, and 23 live Albums available. In America on the ‘Billboard 200,’ nine of his Albums have reached Number 1, with his seventh studio Album ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ from June 1984, at the time of writing, being the 23rd best selling Album of all time. On the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ 18 of his singles have reached the top 40, with his 1984 track ‘Dancing in the Dark’ peaking the highest at Number 2, while ‘Born to Run,’ made Number 23. In the UK, Bruce Springsteen has achieved 10 Number 1 studio Albums, and 19 top 40 singles, with ‘Streets of Philadelphia,’ from 1994, charting the highest at Number 2.

‘Born to Run’ was the first of two singles release from Bruce Springsteen’s third studio Album of the same name from August 1975. The song was written by Bruce Springsteen, and co-produced by Springsteen, and Mike Appel, who was born on October 27th, 1942, in Flushing in Queens, New York City, United States. Mike Appel was also the producer of Springsteen’s first two studio Albums, as well as his manager at that time. Musical differences between the two came to a head during the recording of the ‘Born to Run’ Album, leading to a parting of the ways, and a lengthy legal battle, that was eventually settled out of court.

Bruce Springsteen’ first two studio Albums which were both released in 1973, were commercially unsuccessful, although critically acclaimed. Springsteen earned the reputation of being a perfectionist while attempting to perfect ‘Born to Run’ over the course of several months, which was inspired by Phil Spector’s ‘Wall of Sound’ production (see also best songs 820-782-737-262-192-127-91 and 20.) Springsteen who has acknowledged Steven Van Zandt for being partially responsible for the songs signature guitar line, wrote the lyrics in his home in New Jersey, he has recalled, ‘One day I was playing my guitar on the edge of the bed, working on some song ideas, and the words ‘born to run’ came to me. At first I thought it was the name of a movie or something I’d seen on a car spinning around the circuit. I liked the phrase because it suggested a cinematic drama that I thought would work with the music that I’d been hearing in my head.’

‘Born to Run’ tells the tale of a young couple who think that if they want a better life, then they have to leave town, to find out if their dreams can be achieved, like in the movies. Bruce Springsteen played the song live for the first time on May 9th 1974, the Rock critic Jon Landau was at the show and wrote,’I saw Rock ‘N Roll’s future, and it’s name is Bruce Springsteen.’ Landau eventually became Springsteen’s manager.

‘Oh, someday girl, I don’t know when, we’re gonna get to that place where we really wanna go. We’ll walk in the sun, but till then, tramps like us, baby we were born to run.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

550-Deep Purple-Hush.

1968-Number 58 single.

Best Bit-At 2.48. It’s the answer to that old age question, how much fun can you have with your organ?

Deep Purple (see also best songs 89) were formed in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England, in 1968, by Ian Paice, (drums) who is the groups one constant, Jon Lord, (1941-2012) (keyboards) Ritchie Blackmore, (guitars) (see also best songs 976) Nick Simper, (bass) and Rod Evans (lead vocals.) It was those five original members who recorded ‘Hush’ for their 1968 debut studio Album ‘Shades of Deep Purple.’ They had started out as a ‘Psychedelic Rock,’ and ‘Progressive Rock’ group, but had shifted towards ‘Hard Rock,’ and ‘Heavy Metal’ by 1970. In 1988 Deep Purple re-recorded ‘Hush’ for the live Album ‘Nobody’s Perfect,’ to celebrate the groups 20th anniversary, the line up for that recording were the original remaining members, Ian Paice, Ritchie Blackmore, and Jon Lord, plus Ian Gillan, (lead vocals) and Roger Glover, (bass, and keyboards) who had both joined the group in 1969, having replaced Nick Simper, and Rod Evans who had left the same year.

‘Hush’ was the debut single from Deep Purple, and was the only single released from their debut studio Album ‘Shades of Deep Purple,’ from July 1968. The song was was written by Joe South, (1940-2012) with the production being by Derek Laurence (1941-2020.) ‘Hush’ was a cover version for Deep Purple, as the song had been written specifically for the American ‘Country/Soul’ singer Billy Joe Royal (1942-2015) in 1967, with his recording peaking at Number 52 on Billboard in America. Ritchie Blackmore had heard the Billy Joe Royal version, and in more recent years has said, ‘It was a great song, which would be a good song for our act, if we could come up with a different arrangement. We recorded the whole song in two takes.’ Deep Purple had great success with ‘Hush,’ taking it to Number 4 on Billboard in 1968, although in their native UK, the song stalled at Number 58.

‘Hush’ has been recorded by many artists, and in many different genres. In 1968 the songs composer Joe South recorded ‘Hush’ for his second studio Album ‘Games People Play.’ The song was a hit in Australia, reaching Number 15 in 1967 for the Australian Rock group ‘Somebody’s Image,’ while the most successful version of the song in the UK, has been the recording by the English ‘Psychedelic Rock’ group ‘Kula Shaker,’ whose version is in the same style as that of Deep Purple, and reached Number 2 in 1997. Other acts to have recorded ‘Hush’ for inclusion on their studio Albums include, ‘Merrilee Rush, (1968) the Love Affair, (1968) and Milli Vanilli (1988.) The Partridge Family performed a version on their television series, with David Cassidy (1950-2017) on vocals.

‘Hush’ was written by Joe South, who was born Joseph Alfred Souter, on February 28th, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, he died on September 5th, 2012, of heart failure, at the age of 72. In 1970, he won the ‘Grammy Award,’ for ‘Song of the Year,’ for ‘Games People Play,’ a song he recorded himself, reaching Number 12 on Billboard, and Number 6 in the UK, and then in 1972, he was again nominated, this time for his composition ‘Rose Garden,’ which is his most commercially successful song, reaching Number 3 on Billboard, and also Number 3 in the UK, in 1970, when recorded by the American ‘Country Music’ artist Lynn Anderson (1947-2015.) After the death of his brother Tommy, who committed suicide in 1971, Joe South became clinically depressed, and turned to drugs. He has said,’I didn’t see myself doing drugs for the kicks. I did it more or less to keep going, and to tap into inspiration. I equated the chemicals with the inspiration.’ His drug abuse resulted him in parting ways with his record label, and then living for a time on the Hawaiian island of Maui, during the 1970’s. He said of that time,’I really kicked myself around for years. One of the main hang-ups was I just refused to forgive myself. You know, you can go through drug treatment centres, and it’s not a permanent healing until it’s a spiritual healing.’

‘Hush’ is a song about someone being totally infatuated by another, and they will do anything to get them to feel the same. Joe South probably got the idea for ‘Hush’ from an old African/American spiritual song, which includes the line ‘Hush I hear Jesus calling my name.’ It has also been pointed out that the ‘Na na na, na na’ part of the song is very similar to the melody in the 1967 Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ (see also best songs 10.) In 1990 the British Rock group The Charlatans lifted the organ riff from the Deep Purple version of ‘Hush’ for their 1990 UK Number 9 hit ‘The Only One I Know’ (see also best songs 844.)

‘Na na na na na na. I got a certain little girl she’s on my mind, no doubt about it she looks so fine. She’s the best girl that I ever had, sometimes she’s gonna make me feel so bad.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

551-Kings of Leon-The Bucket.

2004-Number 16 singles.

Best Bit-At 2.18. The correct pronunciation is bucket, not bouquet.

The Kings of Leon (see also best songs 106) were formed in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, in 1999, by the three brothers Caleb, (lead vocals, and rhythm guitar) Jared, (bass, keyboards, and backing vocals) and Nathan Followill, (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals) and their cousin Matthew Followill, (drums, percussion, and backing vocals) the groups name comes from their grandfather, who was called Leon, he died in 2014. When first starting out the Kings of Leon’s music was described as a mixture of ‘Southern Rock,’ and ‘Garage Rock,’ which over the course of time has changed to a more ‘Alternative Rock,’ and ‘Arena Rock’ sound.

The discography of the Kings of Leon includes nine studio Albums released between 2003-2024, and 26 singles released within the same time period, there are also five extended plays available, along with two official compilation Albums, and one live Album. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ Album chart, seven of their Albums have reached the top 40, with their seventh studio Album ‘Walls,’ from 2016, reaching the Number 1 position, while on the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ two of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Use Somebody’ from 2008, peaking the highest at Number 4, whilst ‘The Bucket’ failed to chart. It has been in the UK where the Kings of Leon have always had their greatest commercial success, with all nine of their studio Albums making the top three positions, with six of the Albums making the Number 1 spot. On the UK top 40 singles chart they have achieved 11 hits to date, with ‘Sex on Fire’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 2008.

‘The Bucket’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Aha Shake Heartbreak,’ the second studio Album from the Kings of Leon, from November 2004, the song was co-written by Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, Jared Followill, and Matthew Followill, with the production credited to Ethan Johns, and Angelo Petraglia. Ethan Johns was born Ethan Thomas Robert Johns, in 1969, in Merton. London, he is the son of the legendary music producer Glyn Johns (see also best songs 1048-933-732-662-265-77 and 70.) Ethan Johns has produced for many artists, including Paul McCartney, and Tom Jones, and has been co-producer on three of the Kings of Leon studio Albums. He has also released five solo studio Albums between 1991-2018.

The other co-producer of ‘The Bucket’ was Angelo Petraglia, who was born on May 5th, 1954, in the Bronx, New York City, United States. Petraglia is best known for his work with the ‘Kings of Leon,’ having first met Nathan and Caleb Followill when they were located just outside Nashville, Tennessee, and showing an interest in ‘Country Music’ in the late 1990’s. Angelo Petraglia helped the siblings hone their songwriting skills, and introduced them to the musical influences of Thin Lizzy, (see also best songs 125) The Rolling Stones, (see also best songs 933-662-452-160 and 77) and the Clash (see also best songs 638 and 294) in particular.

‘The Bucket’ has at least three meanings. Caleb Followill has said,’It was about me being famous for the time, and about the girls I had finally experienced.’ Caleb has also confirmed that the songs first verse was written through the eyes of the band’s manager, the man responsible for getting them cigarettes at 3.0.am, and fixing the zippers on their shoes. In the main though ‘The Bucket’ was written about the groups bassist Jared Followill, who was the youngest member in the band at the age of 18 at that time. It tells of Caleb’s observations of how he, and his brother deal with fame, and also the things that can be aggravating, especially when touring, but it’s also a song about brotherly love.

‘I’ll be the one to show you the way, you’ll be the one to always complain. Three in the morning come a bang bang bang, all out of fags and I just can’t wait. Cancel the thing that I said I’d do, I don’t feel comfortable talking to you, less you got the zipper fixed on my shoe, then I’ll be in the lobby drinking for two. Eighteen, balding, star, golden, fallen, heart.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

552-Thompson Twins-Love On Your Side.

1983-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.12. Sturdy hips, and very good balance are the requirements.

The Thompson Twins were formed in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, in 1977, and remained active until 1993, in total there have been 11 different members come and go, with the classic line up, who achieved mainstream success, being recognised as Tom Bailey, (bass guitar, keyboards, and vocals) Alannah Currie, (drums, and vocals) and Joe Leeway (percussion, keyboards, and vocals.)The group took their name from the two fictional detectives, ‘Thompson and Thompson,’ in the comic strip ‘The Adventures of Tintin,’ which had first been published in 1929. Joe Leeway left the group on amicable terms in 1986, leaving Tom Bailey, and Alannah Currie to continue as a duo. They would marry in 1991, and divorce in 2003. In 1993 Bailey and Currie retired the name ‘Thompson Twins,’ but continued as a duo, calling themselves ‘Babble,’ and releasing two less commercial, and more experimental Albums, ‘The Stone’ in 1993, and ‘Ether’ in ‘1996.’ In 1989 Bailey and Currie wrote, and Bailey produced, the song ‘I Want That Man,’ for Debbie Harry, which reached Number 13 on the UK top 40.

The discography of the Thompson Twins includes eight studio Albums released between 1981-1991, and 35 singles released between 1980-1992, there are also 15 official compilation Albums available. In the UK, three of their studio Albums have made the top 40, with their fourth release ‘Into the Gap,’ from 1984 reaching the Number 1 spot. 10 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘You Take Me Up,’ from 1984, peaking the highest at Number 2. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, the Thompson Twins have had great success, playing a prominent part during the ‘Second British Invasion,’ with seven of their singles reaching the top 40, with ‘Hold Me Now,’ proving the most successful, when making Number 3 in 1983, although ‘Love On Your Side,’ stalled at Number 45.

Tom Bailey was born Thomas Alexander Bailey on January 18th, 1956, in Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. After the ‘Thompson Twins,’ and ‘Babble,’ he released several
‘Dub’ and ‘Electronica’ Albums, between 2001-2015 under the name ‘International Observer,’ and in 2018, he released his debut studio Album ‘Science Fiction,’ under his own name Tom Bailey. Alannah Joy Currie was born on September 20th, 1957, in Aukland, New Zealand, she emigrated to the UK in 1977, when she joined the Thompson Twins in 1981, she had already known Tom Bailey for around four years, having first met him South London. After the two ‘Babble’ Albums, Alannah Currie returned to New Zealand, working primarily as a glass artist, and environmental activist. She was the founder of the women’s anti-genetic engineering movement ‘Mothers Against Genetic Engineering in Food,’ and the ‘Environment (MAdGE.’) In 2003 she designed a series of protest billboards that caused controversy in New Zealand, and won several international art and science awards.

‘Love On Your Side’ was co-written by Tom Bailey, Alannah Currie, and Joe Leeway, with the production being by Alex Sadkin (1949-1987.) The song was the second of four singles released from the Thompson Twins third studio Album ‘Quick Step & Side Kick,’ from February 1983. ‘Love On Your Side’ which gave the trio their first UK top 40 hit, pays homage to one of their previous singles ‘In the Name of Love,’ from 1982, The lyrics to ‘Love On Your Side’ say, ‘I’ve played you all my favourite records,’ followed by the melody of the chorus from the song ‘In the name of love.’ The original lyrics to ‘Love On Your Side’ were written by Alannah Currie from a female perspective, but because the vocals were performed by Tom Bailey, they were changed to a male perspective. Tom Bailey has said of the songs meaning, ‘It’s actually a complicated and quite dark song. It’s about discovering that your girlfriend or boyfriend wants to experiment with a relationship in a much deeper or broader sense than you were prepared to do. And so it drags you into this kind of helpless feeling of being lost, helplessly in love, but taking some kind of confidence from the fact that love will help you through those difficult situations. So it’s a naive and complicated song.’

‘I hear you laughing in some other room, and it makes me feel locked out. You say my passion often stifles you, and you need to move about. But I was taught that boys n need girls, you say that’s not true, You’d rather fool around than be alone with me, well that’s alright for you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

553-Freda Payne-Band of Gold.

1970-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.38. It might sound like Motown, it may look like Motown, and it even smells like Motown, but in fact the only thing that’s not Motown, is the record label it was recorded on.

In 1968 the legendary songwriting team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, (1941-2022) and Eddie Holland (see also best songs 969-823-650-411-212 and 148) left Motown records over a dispute with the labels owner Berry Gordy Jr. over profit sharing, and royalties. The trio set up two new record labels in their own names, one being ‘Invictus,’ the label where this song was recorded, and the other being ‘Hot Wax,’ records. As a result of an ongoing court case between ‘H-D-H’ and Berry Gordy, no songs written by the trio could appear on the song writing credits in their own name, something which continued until 1970. Instead the name ‘Edyth Wayne’ who was an acquaintance, was used alongside that of Ronald Dunbar, (1939-2018) who had worked with the trio at Motown, and had joined them in the new venture.

Freda Charcilia Payne was born on September 19th, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, she is the older sister of Scherrie Payne, who was the lead singer of the ‘Supremes’ (see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148) between 1973-1977. During her career Freda Payne has been a TV talk show host, and an actress in musicals, and films. The discography of Freda Payne includes 16 studio Albums released between 1964-2021, and 29 singles released between 1962-1986, three of which are as a featured artist, there are also six official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of her singles have made the top 40, with ‘Band of Gold’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1970, while in the UK, she has charted twice within the top 40, with ‘Deeper and Deeper,’ providing her other hit, when reaching Number 33 in 1970, as the follow up to ‘Band of Gold.’

‘Band of Gold’ was the second of three singles released from Freda Payne’s third studio Album of the same name, from August 1970. The song was written by the legendary songwriting team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland, using the pseudonym ‘Edythe Wayne, also given song writing credit was Ronald Dunbar, the track was produced by Brian Holland, and Lamont Dozier. When first offered ‘Band of Gold’ Freda Payne was reluctant, stating that the songs subject was more suitable for a young innocent girl. According to Ronald Dunbar, it was he who encouraged Payne to record the song, saying, ‘You don’t have to like it, just sing it.’ The songs subject is open to interpretation, some think it is about a bride not being able to consummate her marriage because this is her first time, and some think it is the groom who is impotent, perhaps through being gay. Lamont Dozier who co-wrote ‘Band of Gold’ has said,’The story was, the girl found out this guy was not all there. He had his own feelings about giving his all. He wanted to love this girl, he married the girl, but he couldn’t perform on his wedding night because he had other issues about his sexuality. I’ll put it that way. It was about this guy that was basically gay, and he couldn’t perform. He loved her, but he couldn’t do what he was supposed to do as a groom, as her new husband.’

Lamont Herbert Dozier was born on June 16th, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, he died on August 8th, 2022, at the age of 81. As part of ‘H-D-H’ Lamont Dozier, along with Brian Holland served as the trio’s musical arranger and producer, while Eddie Holland concentrated mainly on the lyrics and vocal production. As a performer and writer/producer away from ‘H-D-H’, Lamont Dozier released 12 Albums between 1973-2018, and 23 singles as a solo artist, or with others between 1957-1991. Significant songs written or co-written by Lamont Dozier without the Holland brothers include ‘Going Back to My Roots,’ (see also best songs 414) and the 1988 American Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 6 single ‘Two Hearts,’ with Phil Collins. In total Lamont Dozier has co-written and produced 14 American Billboard Number 1 singles, and four UK Number 1 singles.

‘Band of Gold’ has a number of well known artists performing on the track. The instrumentation was provided by members of the ‘Funk Brothers,’ (see also best songs 948-650-414-382-212-148 and 28) whom ‘H-D-H’ had worked with at Motown records. The tracks backing vocals were performed by Scherrie Payne, Thelma Hopkins, Joyce Vincent Wilson, and Pamela Vincent, both Thelma and Joyce would go on to form ‘Dawn’ with Tony Orlando (see also best songs 886.) The Electric Sitar part was played by Dennis Coffey, and the lead guitar was played by Ray Parker Jr. (see also best songs 560.)

‘You took me from the shelter of my mother I had never known, or loved any other. We kissed after taking vows, but that night on our honeymoon we stayed in separate rooms.’